The Gibson Amphitheatre (originally known as the Universal
Amphitheatre) closed permanently in September of 2013, and was torn down the next year,
to make room for the expansion of Universal Studios Hollywood.

The former theatre site will be converted to part of the theme park's new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The new land's major ride, Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey, will be built where the Amphitheatre once stood.

I will leave this page up for a while, for those who might want to read
about the 40-year history of the Amphitheatre, but bear in mind that the
article below was written when the Amphitheatre was still open for business.

The
Gibson Amphitheatre is an enclosed concert venue with 6,300 seats,
where you can see some of the biggest names in show biz live in concert
- from rock bands to C&W, folk and jazz. It's located right next to
Universal Studios
Hollywood and the popular Universal
CityWalk. It was originally known as the Universal Amphitheatre, but
a few years back it changed its name to match that of the famous guitar-maker.

Plus
the Amphitheatre played host to the Teen Choice Awards, the Academy
of Country Music Awards show, and major Broadway rock-operas such as
"Jesus Christ Superstar" and "The Who's Tommy."

Tickets are available through
phone and mail order from the Amphitheatre box office, at (213) 252-TIXS,
and from TicketMaster at (213) 480-3232. Amphitheater seating is arranged
in a huge, curving semi-circle, so try to avoid sitting in the outer aisle
seats. Parking in the adjacent CityWalk parking structures. Valet parking
available.

(In mid-1999, Universal sold their live-music unit, Universal Concerts,
to the House of Blues. While
Universal retained actual ownership of the Universal Amphitheatre, it is
now run by House of Blues, which leases the venue from Universal and
books the acts. They also book the acts for the Greek Theatre and the House
oif Blues. It's my perception so far that the quality of the acts booked
at Universal seems to have declined since the ownership change.)

Getting
there: The
amphitheatre is located right next door to the main entrance of Universal
Studios Hollywood. From Hollywood, take the Hollywood (101)
Freeway through the pass, to the Lankershim Boulevard exit; turn
right on Lankershim, then turn right again on Universal Terrace Parkway
and follow it up to the parking lot. Follow CityWalk to the main gate of
Universal Studios.

This webpage is not associated with any business
described in the article above, and does not constitute an
endorsement of this or any other business. The photos of celebrities on
this page also do not constitute
endorsements by them of any kind, and are used by the author solely to
illustrate this online article.(Click here to read
other disclaimers)